The Value of Gray Hair

Four score and a couple of years ago, I had a major mortality check during a long flight. I was inside the lavatory, freshening up for a night's rest, when suddenly, I found a few strands of gray hair at my temples!

I knew it was gonna happen sooner than later because of genetics (mom and dad had them early), so, I wasn't really all that stunned. But still, I let out a couple of sighs and a few quiet expletives. I was 27 then.

I read all sorts of articles to counteract the process, but to no avail. I finally succumbed to covering the stubborn grays with dyes every two months or so.

Gray Hair Rocks

Spanish researchers from the Museo
Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, found that having gray locks could be a sign of good health and longevity!

The research shows that hair graying wild boars are healthier compared to those with red fur due to the absence of melanin. Those who have gray hair are found to have lower levels of oxidative stress (basis for different diseases).

Why boars? I'm no boar!

According to one of the scientists, IsmaelGalván, "all higher vertebrates, including humans, share the same
types of melanins in skin, hair and plumage, these results increase our scant
current knowledge on the physiological consequences of pigmentation."

On the same research, the scientists found out that having red hair makes one more vulnerable to illness. Pheomelanin (pigment responsible for red hair), needs glutathione to produce the red hue. Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant that makes you healthy and halts the aging process. If the pheomelanin sucks in the GSH, other parts of your body will have less, leaving you susceptible to diseases.